Stringed instrument

ABSTRACT

A stringed instrument, such as a guitar, having an elongated, relatively rigid frame designed to withstand compression loads greater than the combined tension load of the strings. Flexibly connected at opposite ends to the frame is a fretted neck which is shaped toit the hand of the player, without consideration of structural strength. The strings are attached at opposite ends to the top and bottom ends of the frame, and extend lengthwise over the fretted neck, passing over a bridge and electrical pickup transducer mounted on the frame. The tuning gears for the strings are also mounted on the frame near the bottom end thereof. The fretted neck is connected to a cross piece on the frame by tension-adjusting screws, which can be tightened to exert a tension on the neck so as to pull it straight. The tension load of the strings is carried entirely by the frame, and the fretted neck is supported under tension just below the strings, the said tension serving to pull it straight.

United States Patent Schneider et al.

[ Jan. 7, 1975 STRINGED INSTRUMENT [57] ABSTRACT lnvemofsi William schl'leiderl'stanley A stringed instrument, such as a guitar, having an Hirsch, both of Palm p g Califelongated, relatively rigid frame designed to withstand [73] AssigneeZ Stanley Hirsch, Pan-n Springs, compression loads greater than the combined tension Calif load of the strings. Flexibly connected at opposite ends to the frame is a fretted neck which is shaped toit Flledi O 1973 the hand of the player, without consideration of struc- [21] APP] NO: 410,194 tural strength. The strings are attached at opposite ends to the top and bottom ends of the frame, and extend lengthwise over the fretted neck, passing over a 4.5-

r and electrical transducer mounted on 1 84/297 R the frame. The tuning gears for the strings are also [5 Cl. t 4 t mounted on the frame near the bottom end thereof Field of scam! 84/116, 267, The fretted neck is connected to a cross piece on the 84/297, 312, 314, 327, frame by tension-adjusting screws, which can be tightened to exert a tension on the neck so as to pull it References Cited straight. The tension load of the strings is carried en- UNITED STATES PATENTS tirely by the frame, and the fretted neck is supported 474,120 5/1892 Ganss H 84/267 under tension just below the strings, the said tension 518,775 4/1894 Birrer 84/267 e g o p it straight- 8l2,049 2/1906 Krueger 84/267 2,122,396 7/1938 Freeman 84/312 3,435,722 4/l969 Paul et a] 84/312 Primary ExaminerLawrence R. Franklin Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Herbert E. Kidder 9 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures Patented Jlh.7,1975 3,858,480

2 Shoots-Shout 1 wk 44 h gh? FIG. 1. FIG. 2.

Patented Jan. 7, v 1975 3,858,480

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 4- /0*- FIG. 5 4'6 s Q r FIG. 6-

STRINGED INSTRUMENT The present invention pertains to stringed musical instruments of the lute class, having a long fretted neck, and more particularly to instruments of this type having steel strings, such as guitars, banjos, mandolins, and the like. I

In such stringed instruments, the steel strings are conventionally attached at their upper ends to tuning pegs or gears on the upper end of the neck. The strings pass down over a nut at the top end of the neck and a bridge, to the foot of the instrument, where they are attached. The strings are pulled straight by tension, and the space between the strings and the plane of the top edges of the frets diminishes slightly at a uniform rate from the bottom end of the neck to the top, forming a very small acute angle having its apex at the nut at the top end of the neck. Thus, the depression distance for the strings increases as one moves down from the top end of the neck to the bottom. Ideally, the distance of the strings above the bottom fret should be kept to a minimum, allowing for string vibration. The plane of the top edges of the frets must be as straight as possible, so that the change in depression distance of the strings will be smooth as one moves along the neck.

Owing to the fact that the strings are under considerable tension and are elevated a short distance above the top surface of the neck, there is a strong upward bowing force exerted on the neck, and this must be resisted by making the neck stiff enough and strong enough to resist the bending tendency. To build the necessary strength and stiffness into the instrument, it is customary to give the neck considerable thickness, and to increase its thickness toward the point where it joins the body. The relatively thick neck makes it difficult and awkward for persons with small hands or short fingers to reach around the neck so as to finger the strings, and

the physical effort required is tiring and interferes with the players manual dexterity. Moreover, despite the relatively thick and bulky configuration of the neck at its base, there is still a certain amount of tendency for the neck to bend over a long period of time, owing to the fact that the string tension is continuous and unremitting, and the material of which the neck is made will gradually yield slightly and take a permanent set under the continuous stress. When such bending does occur, the uniform change in spacing of the strings above the frets is changed along the length of the neck, owing to the fact that the neck is bowed upwardly in an arcuate curve, and the space between the straight strings and the top surface of the curved neck now becomes a function of the radius of curvature of the neck, as well as the distance from the top end of the neck. The re- 2 changes in spacing of the strings above the frets, as described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The primary object of this invention is to provide a stringed instrument of the class described, in which the string tension is taken entirely by a structural frame that isseparate from the fretted neck. The neck is supported on the frame, but is entirely free of the usual asymmetric compression loading caused by string tension in conventional instruments. Being free of the distorting tendency caused by such asymmetric compression loading, the neck stays straight and true for the life of the instrument. Moreover, the neck can be reduced in thickness and made uniform in cross-section from one end thereof to the other, as the shape and size of the neck are not influenced by strength considerations. The neck can therefore be shaped to provide the maximum comfort and ease of handling for the player.

Another object of the invention is to provide a stringed instrument wherein the fretted neck is subjected to tension, which tends to pull it straight, and to keep it straight. Flexible connections joining opposite ends of the neck to the frame allow tension to be applied to the neck without exerting any bending or twisting forces on the neck. Consequently, the neck can be made of lighter or more inexpensive materials than has heretofore been possible, as the inherent dimensional stability of such material is not the crucially important factor that it is in conventional instruments.

These and other objects'and advantages of the invention will become'apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment thereof, taken with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view ofa stringed musical instrument embodying the principles of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the same;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view, taken at 3-3 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the instrument, taken from the top end thereof;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view, taken at 5-5 in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view, taken at 66 in FIG. 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The musical instrument shown in the drawings is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 10, and is a six-string electric guitar, although the invention is equally applicable to other types of stringed instruments, such as mandolins, banjos, and the like, which may have either electric or acoustic amplification. The distinctive feature of the invention is its elongated, open, rectangular frame 12, consisting of two laterally spaced side members 14 and 16 which are connected at their ends by top cross member 18 and bottom cross member 20. A third cross member 22 extends between the side members 14, 16, a little below the midpoint thereof, to provide support and connections for certain parts of the instrument, as will be described presently. Members l4, l6, 18, 20 and 22 are preferably made of solid hardwood, and are joined together to form an extremely rigid and stiff frame, capable of withstanding considerable compression loading applied to the ends thereof.

Mounted Centrally within the frame 12 and extending generally parallel thereto is a fretted neck 24, the top end of which-is connected by a'flexible connection 26 to top cross member 18, and the bottom end of which is connected by a flexible connection 28 to the third cross member 22. Extending between the bottom cross member 20 and middle cross member 22 are two laterally spaced, parallel frame members 30 and 32 upon which are mounted tuning gears 34. There are six tuning gears 34, arranged with threeon each of the members 30, 32 and attached to the rotatable inner ends of the gear shafts are strings 36. Strings 36 pass upwardly, over a bridge 38, and extend lengthwise of the neck 24 a short distance above the top surface thereof, the said strings lying in a plane that forms a very small acute angle with the plane passing through the top edges of the frets 39, so that the depression distance of the strings increases smoothly and uniformly from the top end of the neck to the bottom .end thereof. At the top end of the neck, the strings pass over a nut 40 and then extend through holes 42 (see FIG. in the top cross member 18, Where they project above the top surface of the member 18, the strings 36 have anchor attachfretted neck 24 is not only relieved' of all compression loading due to tension of the strings 36, which enables it to be designed for maximum comfort to the hand of the 'player rather than for structural strength, but the neck is also placed under considerable tension, which tends to pull it straight. This tension in the neck eliminates any bowing tendency that might occur due to a first hinge plate 76, second-hinge plate 78, and connecting hinge pin 80, whichtogether form the complete hinge. Second hinge plate 78 is generally L-shaped, and one flange of the L lies flat againstthe near surface of cross member 18, to which it is secured by two bolts 82 and nuts 84.

Due to the unique design of the construction shown and described herein, the entire string tension load is carried directly on the frame 12, and the fretted neck 24 is completely free of any compression loading caused by tension of the strings 36. As a result, the neck 24 can be as thin as desired to provide comfortof the hand while playing. For persons with very small hands, the neck can be reduced in width and depth to r the minimum dimensions, which allows the person to reach around the neck to finger the strings. As it is not,

required to carry anycompression loading the neck24 can be made of plastic or any light material, and the entire emphasis can be on obtaining straightness of the neck, rather than designing it to resist bending stresses.

The present invention is not limited to electrically amplified instrumentsfbut may be used also with 26 and 28 prevent any binding stresses from being changes in humidity or temperature, which might affect the material of which the neck is made. Tension is produced by the tension adjusting means 52, consisting of two screws 54, one of which can be seen in FIG. 6, each of said screws being screwed into one end of an internally threaded bore 56 in an elongated cylindrical sleeve 58 that is slidably disposed within a bore 60 in cross piece 22. The other end of sleeve 58 projects beyond the right-hand side of member 22, as seen in FIG.

, sleeve 58 toward the left, thereby drawing the bottom end of the neck 24 in that direction, and increasing tension in the neck. Counterclockwise turning of the screw head 72 causes relaxation of tension in the neck. The hinge formed by hinge plates 64 and 70, togetherwith pin 68, constitutes the flexible connection 28 connecting the bottom end of the neck to cross piece 22.

As stated earlier, the top end of the neck 24 is connected to the top cross member 18 by a flexible connection 26 which, as best shown in FIG. 5, comprises transferred to theneck 24, and therefore the neck remains straight at all times. Tension applied to the neck by the adjusting screws 54 pulls the neck straight and eliminates any tendency of the neck to bow due to asymmetric contraction or expansion of the neck.

While we have shown and described in considerable detail what we believe to be the preferred'form of our invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to such details, but I may take-various other forms within the scope of the claims. l

What we claim is:

l. A stringed instrument comprising in combination:

an elongated, relatively rigid frame designed to withstand a compression stress applied to the ends thereof at least equal to the tension load of the strings;

a fretted neck extending generally parallel to said frame and attached at opposite ends to the frame, said neck being flexibly connected at one end to said frame, whereby bending stresses are prevented from being transmitted to the neck from the frame;

a pluralityof strings attached to opposite ends of said frame and extending lengthwise of said fretted neck just above the top surface thereof;

a bridge on said frame over which said strings are carried;

means for adjusting the tension in each of said strings so as to tune them; and

means for amplifying the musical tones produced by said strings;

said frame taking the entire tension load of said strings, leaving said fretted neck entirely free of compression stresses.

2. A stringed instrument as in claim 1, wherein said fretted neck is connected under tension to said frame.

3. A stringed instrument as in claim 2, wherein said fretted neck is connected at one end to said frame by means of screw-threaded members which can be turned to adjust the tension in the neck.

4. A stringed instrument as in claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a pair of laterally spaced, generally parallel, lengthwise extending side members which are connected together at their ends by top and bottom cross pieces;

said fretted neck being disposed between. said side members and generally parallel thereto, the neck being flexibly connected at one end to said top cross piece, and at the other end to said frame at a point remote from said top cross piece; said bridge, string tension adjusting means, and amplifying means being mounted on said frame between said side frame members below said other end of said neck. 5. A stringed instrument as in claim 4, wherein said frame has a third cross piece extending between said side members between said top and bottom cross pieces;

said fretted neck being connected at said other end to said third cross piece.

6. A stringed instrument as in claim 5, wherein said other end of said fretted neck is connected to said third cross piece by tension-adjusting screws.

7. A stringed instrument as in claim 5, wherein said amplifying means includes an electrical pickup transducer mounted on said third cross piece below said strings.

8. A stringed instrument as in claim 5, wherein said fretted neck is connected at its top end by first hinge means to said top cross piece, and at its bottom end by second hinge means to said third cross piece.

9. A stringed instrument as in claim 5, wherein said frame also includes another piece disposed midway between said side members and extending generally parallel thereto, said other piece being connected at one end to said bottom cross piece, and at the other end to said third cross piece; said string tension adjusting means and said bridge being mounted on said other piece; and said amplifying means including an electrical pickup transducer mounted on said third cross piece. 

1. A stringed instrument comprising in combination: an elongated, relatively rigid frame designed to withstand a compression stress applied to the ends thereof at least equal to the tension load of the strings; a fretted neck extending generally parallel to said frame and attached at opposite ends to the frame, said neck being flexibly connected at one end to said frame, whereby bending stresses are prevented from being transmitted to the neck from the frame; a plurality of strings attached to opposite ends of said frame and extending lengthwise of said fretted neck just above the top surface thereof; a bridge on said frame over which said strings are carried; means for adjusting the tension in each of said strings so as to tune them; and means for amplifying the musical tones produced by said strings; said frame taking the entire tension load of said strings, leaving said fretted neck entirely free of compression stresses.
 2. A stringed instrument as in claim 1, wherein said fretted neck is connected under tension to said frame.
 3. A stringed instrument as in claim 2, wherein said fretted neck is connected at one end to said frame by means of screw-threaded members which can be turned to adjust the tension in the neck.
 4. A stringed instrument as in claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a pair of laterally spaced, generally parallel, lengthwise extending side members which are connected together at their ends by top and bottom cross pieces; said fretted neck being disposed between said side members and generally parallel thereto, the neck being flexibly connected at one end to said top cross piece, and at the other end to said frame at a point remote from said top cross piece; said bridge, string tension adjusting means, and amplifying means being mounted on said frame between said side frame members below said other end of said neck.
 5. A stringed instrument as in claim 4, wherein said frame has a third cross piece extending between said side members between said top and bottom crOss pieces; said fretted neck being connected at said other end to said third cross piece.
 6. A stringed instrument as in claim 5, wherein said other end of said fretted neck is connected to said third cross piece by tension-adjusting screws.
 7. A stringed instrument as in claim 5, wherein said amplifying means includes an electrical pickup transducer mounted on said third cross piece below said strings.
 8. A stringed instrument as in claim 5, wherein said fretted neck is connected at its top end by first hinge means to said top cross piece, and at its bottom end by second hinge means to said third cross piece.
 9. A stringed instrument as in claim 5, wherein said frame also includes another piece disposed midway between said side members and extending generally parallel thereto, said other piece being connected at one end to said bottom cross piece, and at the other end to said third cross piece; said string tension adjusting means and said bridge being mounted on said other piece; and said amplifying means including an electrical pickup transducer mounted on said third cross piece. 